From Mansfield to Frisco and White Settlement to Mesquite, I will drag my kids all over the Metroplex in search of fun, exciting experiences that will make their childhoods memorable!
But it isn't always cheap. All these awesome activities can definitely put a dent in our monthly budget.
But there are ways to experience some of the awesomeness that DFW has to offer without totally breaking the bank! Read on to find out how I do it!
1. Look for half price or discount days.
Did you know that every Wednesday is half price day at the Fort Worth Zoo? And in January and February, you can go to the Dallas Zoo for only $7 per person! This gives our family of five tremendous savings! Legoland and Sealife Aquarium at Grapevine Mills both offer a similar program- Toddler Tuesdays. Every Tuesday through the end of February you can get yourself plus up to two kiddos ages 4 and under in for only $15!
2. Ask for discounts at the ticket counter.
You'd be surprised how many places offer discounts. Traveling with a grandparents or other adult who is older than 65? Ask for the senior discount! Are you an educator? Ask for a discount! (Seaquest Aquarium at Ridgmar Mall offers free admission for teachers and educators!). First responder or military? Ask for the discount! I've found many places don't advertise these discounts well- but they are there if you search!
3. Phone a friend!
We became Legoland members this year and have had Six Flags season passes for multiple years. Legoland gives each pass holder a finite number of free passes for friends and family. This is a great way for my girls to have playdates with friends- we bring them with us for free! Likewise, we are going to the Perot Museum with friends tomorrow. Our friends were gifted a membership for Christmas that also came with free friend passes- so our friends are letting us use them! Six Flags also has loads of "bring a friend free" days so buddy up with a passholder (and return the favor if you have passes elsewhere!).
4. Utilize school program discounts
My girls bring home a reading log each January that allows them a free day pass to Six Flags if they read a certain number of hours. Don't let this freebie go to waste! Likewise, our school does a night at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. We get to go one evening for free- and they always provide us with family passes to come back! We go at least twice a year this way.
5. Check with nationwide free programs
Bank of America is currently running a free program that allows active B of A card holders admission to museums and parks all over the country for free on certain days! Check their Website for details. Likewise, check with any programs you may be a part of. Groups such at AAA, AARP and more offer discounts on a variety entertainment venues.
6. Sign up for Rewards Programs
So many businesses are realizing the power of repeat customers. Many of the kids play areas popping up all over the Metroplex offer punch cards if you are frequent users. Ask if the facility you are using has a loyalty program. Inneractive Playground in Fort Worth/Keller gives you a stamp for each admission you pay and after 10 stamps your next play time is free. That may not seem like much- but I bring at least three kids each time I go- so after three visits I get a free kiddo the next time I go!
7. Enter local blogger contests
Search Facebook and Instagram for local social media influencers and follow their pages. When they run contests, enter them! Somebody has to win! In 2017, I won Fort Worth and Dallas Zoo passes as well as Six Flags Holiday in the Park passes- all from Facebook contests run by local mamas! It took seconds to enter each contest- and I won! Talk about a fun surprise in the mail! Somebody has to win the prizes these blogs give away- might as well be you!
8. Check discount sites and programs
We all know that Groupon is a fantastic resource not only to learn about new places in the area, but also to grab a discount on your first (or second or so on) visit. Have you checked out Living Social? If you are in the Dallas area a lot, you can buy a CityPass, which allows you deep discounts on many of the area offerings. POGO pass is another pass to check out for your kiddos- for one low price you get admission to lots of fabulous places all over DFW. And don't get me started on Pearachute (www.pearachutekids.com), where you can get your first 4 credits free and redeem those credits for Legoland tickets, or Sealife tickets, or jump time at Flight Deck or a trip up Reunion Tower and so much more!
What are YOUR favorite ways to see the best of the Metroplex without going broke in the process?
